US Expresses Concern Over Escalating Tensions in Southern Yemen
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern over recent developments in southeastern Yemen in a post on the social media platform X. Rubio emphasized the need for restraint and sustained diplomatic efforts to reach a lasting resolution.
Rubio also endorsed the diplomatic initiatives by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia aimed at reducing tensions among the factions controlling southern Yemen.
According to reports, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the head of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), announced on December 9 that the council had taken full control of Hadramout and Al-Mahra provinces. Al-Zubaidi stated that plans to establish institutions for a ‘future government in southern Yemen’ are now underway.
In response, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the separatists’ actions as unjustified on December 25 and called on the STC to withdraw its forces from the two provinces. Earlier, Mustafa Ahmed Noman, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Saudi-backed government in southern Yemen, warned that Riyadh might take decisive action if the situation deteriorates further.
